Life in Japan Archives

These Jeans from a Recycled Clothing Shop in Japan are Just Peachy

Apr 1, 2025 | 0

My wife uncovered a treasure in our neighborhood thrift shop: a perfect fit pair of Momotaro Jeans made in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture.

Long Walks in Tokyo – From Ginza to Shinjuku

May 17, 2024 | 0

This 3-hour long walk through the heart of Tokyo passes through some historical districts, near a major shrine, and an endangered baseball stadium where Babe Ruth once played.

The Long Walk – Discover the Real Tokyo Without the Crowds

May 15, 2024 | 0

Walking in Tokyo gives you a true sense of the city’s scale and how it has evolved through time. You’ll get a better understanding of Tokyo’s culture on a two hour stroll through its streets than a week riding around in trains and taxis.

Fables of the Japanese Conbini

Sep 23, 2023 | 0

Everybody thinks they know how awesome Japanese convenience stores are, but did you also know these things?

Tea Ceremony, Rebooted

Jun 21, 2022 | 0

This past weekend, I finally exhaled. Well, that was the feeling anyway, as my tea ceremony...

How To Fail At Workation

Aug 6, 2020 | 0

The time I tried to do “workation” in Nagano in Japan and failed miserably. But perhaps it wasn’t misery I found, but a chance to truly relax.

On Becoming a Tokyo – Kyoto Commuter

Jun 30, 2020 | 0

As I have been in negotiations for a full-time position at a company I have been freelancing for,...

Papa’s Got a Brand New (Canvas) Bag

Jun 18, 2020 | 0

Tracking down the Japanese company that made my favorite canvas briefcase bag was not easy, but the satisfaction of a owning a new bag was worth the effort.

Hello Again, 2020

May 27, 2020 | 0

With the state of emergency triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic lifted across all of Japan as of yesterday, is it too late to salvage the year 2020?

Disappearing In Japan

May 9, 2020 | 0

Preserving a slice of history in my own neighborhood – photos of Showa era buildings that are being torn down in the name of progress.

A Time To Grow

Apr 11, 2020 | 0

I’ve wished my life wouldn’t pass me by so quickly, that I would have time for myself. And now that my wish in some twisted way has come true, why am I not doing the things that I always said I would?